'Rebels' animated series begins new direction in 'Star Wars' universe

7:36 PM,
Feb. 11, 2014

Written by

Brian Truitt
USA TODAY

More than 35 years after a bunch of outer-space flyboys hopped in their X-Wing Fighters and destroyed the first of two Death Stars, the Rebel Alliance is finally getting a Star Wars origin story.

In an animated TV version, no less.

Star Wars Rebels, launching this fall on Disney Channel with a special one-hour telecast before moving to its home on Disney XD, takes fans back to a time before there was Jek Porkins, Wedge Antilles and, of course, Luke Skywalker. Viewers will be introduced to the rebellion's early days when the leader Kanan and his ragtag group aboard The Ghost are fighting Imperial ...